Connecting Generations

On 1 April, we launched the new Connecting Generations research programme, funded through an ESRC Centres grant. The programme aims to understand intergenerational connectivity in a post-Brexit/post-Covid society, producing novel science that contributes to policy debate.

Connecting Generations brings together experts from the University of Southampton, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Oxford Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, and the Resolution Foundation, as well as the Office for National Statistics and National Records of Scotland.

Together, we are investigating how life events affect health, economic living standards, social networks and personal resilience. To better inform policy responses, we are exploring how experiences vary by gender, migrant status, ethnicity, education, social-economic status and geographical context.

CPC Director, Professor Jane Falkingham OBE, gave the inaugural Connecting Generations Thought Leader Talk, entitled ‘Bridging the gap in a post-Brexit / post-Covid society’ on 25 April. She was joined in a panel discussion by Connecting Generations Co-Directors, Professors Hill Kulu and Mike Brewer, and many interested stakeholders and colleagues were in attendance.

At the talk, attendees heard about Jane’s research on intergenerational exchange and learned about the new Connecting Generations remit. The speakers also discussed how some of the widespread changes in the economy, society and the family are influencing and are influenced by intergenerational connections. They also gave an insight into research on how intergenerational connections are shaped and change over time, as well as the high-quality data that are used for investigation.

The video of the event is now available on YouTube. You can also follow Connecting Generations on Twitter for the latest updates: @ConnectingGens.

In the coming months, invited experts including Professor Bobby Duffy, Dr Jennie Bristow, Professor Maria Grasso and Professor James Sefton will join us to give Thought Leader Talks. Information and registration details will follow soon on Twitter and at: www.cpc.ac.uk/activities/full_events_calendar

Reading and resources

Bridging the gap in a post-Brexit / post-Covid society | Professor Jane Falkingham OBE (YouTube)

£49m funding boost for urgent social and economic challenges (UKRI website)

Connecting Generations research programme (CPC website)